Hi, my name is

Rochelle Baiocchi

I am a Service Coordinator at Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC). We provide services and supports for individuals who have developmental disabilities. I was a Service Coordinator in Northern California for 15years. Moved to Santa Barbara in April of 2023 and Started working with his team in March of that year. I look forward to supporting Chris by maintaining his independence and to coordinate his services and supports through TCRC for years to come. Scroll down to see his amazing team!

Hi, my name is

Israel Perez:

The way Chris and I met, was through happenstance, in this case a sad one.

My mom had died and I lost all interest in owning my own business, at the time a friend of mine introduced me to caregiving, which was wayyyyyy outside my wheelhouse.

Meeting Chris we had no real idea about each other, I had no idea what it was like to support a person with a disability, and he overall had his doubts, which is fair enough.

Somehow we managed and actually learned to work very well together, I like to joke around he kidnapped me to this new program he entered “Self Determination”

At this point, I should probably explain my job description.

Essentially, I do everything when he needs a service.

When Chris needs a house sitter, i’m a house sitter, When Chris needs a driver, i’m a driver.

I’m the guy who keeps the cogs greased.

I’m proud to be team #Djofability

Hi, my name is

Jeff

Shane:

I Started my musical career with Dick Clark Productions on two tv shows. Where the Action Is, and American Bandstand. Starred as a gofer then became Production Supervisor. After leaving California went back to Miami Beach and worked in theater. I worked Public Relations for Coconut Grove Playhouse.

Moved to Sarasota whereI got married and had our daughter. Built a country club,Including a golf course, tennis courts and 300 homes.

Decided to go back to music. Got a job at CBS Records Atlanta. Started in the mailroom and eventually became Regional Promotion Manager taking music to radio. Did backstage, radio promotion, and did all artist appearances after shows. Worked with Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, REO, Ozzy and many others.

Moved to Capitol Records to become Senior Director and then Vice President. Worked with Paul McCartney, Queen, Bob Seger, Doobie Brothers, Steve Miller and more.

Retired from music and eventually moved to Santa Barbara to watch my grandkids grow up. Met Chris by answering an ad. I had no experience with people who have disabilities so said to Chris “you teach me about people with disabilities and I will teach you about music.” We have been together for eight years working on music, public speaking and making presentations. This has been one of the most rewarding relations I have ever had.

Hi, my name is

Austin Sharon:

Austin is a man with many ambitions. He was born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, California. Surfing and school brought him to Santa Barbara and his passion for nature and humanitarianism has landed him at Pilgrim Terrace Urban Farm. Over the last 3 years he has worked his way up to nonprofit Director of Development. The work he contributes to at Pilgrim Terrace supports the low-income residents who live there along with the greater Santa Barbara community through food donations. Austin and Chris met at Pilgrim Terrace and instantly became friends. Soon after, he started working in support of DJ of Ability in 2023 as the newest member of his team. The first event that he worked on was the Adapted Halloween Dance with the Santa Barbara Adapted Recreation department and since then we’ve worked many events together, including the Santa Barbara Airport, Hillside House, Momentum’s Walk and Roll event plus many others. Austin has made tons of new friends working with Chris and has some of the best times dancing after setting up the DJ of Ability set. He hopes to work with Chris for year’s to come and is excited for what is in store.

Hi, my name is

Jim Cutsinger:

Born and raised in Detroit, Jim Cutsinger has been a professional musician and rhythm section arranger for 50 years. At 16, Jim began teaching guitar and bass continuing for 20 years. In the 1960’s, he performed on bass with his band Julius Victor as the warm up act for Jeff Beck, Natalie Cole, Jimmy Page and the Yardbirds, Steve Miller, Joe Walsh, Steve Winwood, Alice Cooper and many more. They recorded their first album at the Record Plant on the Ahmad Jamal label in NY city in 1967.

In 1974 Jim toured on guitar with funk jazz saxophonist Norma Bell of Stevie Wonder and Frank Zappa’s band. In the 90’s he worked as a theatrical music director, composer, playwright and actor with the Slightly Askew Players in Santa Barbara.

In 2011, he produced and directed the independent film “Lost in Isla Vista”. As a producer, engineer, musician and managing partner of MMP since 1989, he has produced albums, concerts, concert videos, online dramatic skits, as well as arranging and directing for orchestra and chorus. He has produced beats for music video.

He’s been a mentor and rodi to DJofAbility’s team since 2018 Loading in and striking shows, and making Chris better at his craft.

Hi, my name is

Gary Atkins:

I provide & operate small to medium sized sound systems for public or privet events, This would include meetings with microphones for lectures and or presenters to live musical bands of all sorts as well as festivals, political & non-profit, fundraisers ,rallies and weddings and receptions. I have been doing business for over 40 years and enjoy being part of a variety of events. I met Chris while working at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History back in 2000, and got him set up with his very first sound and DJ system. I also help with driving and setting up and striking his events, and making Chris better at his craft.